Dushanbe: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 20 urged Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states to dismantle the entire terrorism ecosystem. He described terrorism as one of the gravest threats to peace and development while addressing the 25th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in Tajikistan.
“There can be no justification for terrorism, no double standards in addressing it,” Singh said. He noted that terrorism claims innocent lives, disrupts investment and commerce, and fuels radicalisation. Moreover, it deprives young people of opportunities and undermines social stability. He stressed that those who finance, support or provide safe havens to terrorists must not escape scrutiny.
Singh recalled discussions at the SCO Summit in Bishkek in August-September 2026. At the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for concrete action on security, connectivity and opportunities. India believes economic engagement must be inclusive and mutually beneficial for all member states, Singh said. He also cautioned that creating more institutions does not automatically produce better results.
The minister said the SCO must remain efficient and uphold sovereign equality, consensus and mutual respect. Therefore, he urged members to translate shared positions into practical action. He pointed to an uncertain global economic environment shaped by geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions and supply chain pressures. Energy and food security concerns, along with technological divides, also require coordinated responses.
SCO terrorism ecosystem and regional connectivity
Singh said the SCO should strengthen resilient supply chains, facilitate trade and investment, and use technology to drive development. At the same time, economic cooperation must benefit all sections of society. In this context, he reaffirmed India’s support for an Action Plan for the Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Programme for 2026-2030.
He welcomed the Bishkek Summit’s decisions to establish the Universal Centre in Tashkent and the Anti-Drug Centre in Dushanbe as permanent SCO bodies. However, he said their effectiveness would depend on efficient coordination and timely implementation.
Turning to regional connectivity, Singh backed initiatives that link markets, promote trade and create development opportunities. He identified the International North-South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port as important routes connecting Central Asia with wider markets. However, he stressed that connectivity projects must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries. Projects that ignore these principles, he said, would not be sustainable.
Singh also called for improvements beyond physical infrastructure. These include simpler customs procedures, digital documentation, better logistics and interoperable digital systems. Together, these measures could reduce business costs and make regional trade more efficient.
The minister highlighted a symposium on financing infrastructure projects in Central Asia held in Mumbai earlier this month. He thanked Central Asian countries and SCO partners for participating. He also acknowledged the organisation of the first SCO Asian Economic Dialogue.
Singh said the organisation’s success should be measured by tangible benefits for people. These include more opportunities for young people, new markets for entrepreneurs and better access to technology for farmers and small businesses. He cited India’s Digital Public Infrastructure as an example of technology improving public service delivery and financial inclusion. He also highlighted India’s large start-up ecosystem and its focus on women-led development.
India highlights clean energy and inclusive development
Singh said India’s international initiatives support affordable clean energy and climate-resilient development. These include the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Meanwhile, Mission LiFE promotes sustainable lifestyles and responsible consumption. The Global Biofuel Alliance also supports cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.
He urged SCO members to build on the organisation’s achievements over the past 25 years. Singh called for a forward-looking roadmap based on consensus and practical outcomes. India, he said, remained committed to working closely with all member states. He also invited them to attend the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, which India will host later this year.
The meeting reviewed progress in economic and trade cooperation among SCO members. It also considered ways to expand collaboration in transport, finance, the digital economy and social development. The heads of delegation adopted a joint communiqué covering the meeting’s outcomes.
The adopted decisions included the SCO budget for 2027, relevant financial and administrative measures, and the PMTEC Action Plan for 2026-2030. The Council of Heads of Government is a key SCO mechanism for advancing economic and other practical cooperation among member states. India has been a full member of the organisation since 2017 and participates in its various mechanisms.
